Boat docking system

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to a device for docking a boat stern first. The device is preferably attached to a dock or sea wall and floats on the water surface. The boat docking device has two rods joined in an L-shape configuration. On one rod there is a sliding member that holds an end of a third moveable rod. The moveable rod slides in the sliding member and pivots, with respect to the L-shaped rods, around a joint. In an open position a boat can easily enter the device stern first. The device guides the boat into docking position and the moveable rod closes on the boat to hold the boat in the secured position.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] This invention relates to a boat docking system that allows a boat to be docked stern first using a fixed rod and a moveable rod that adjust as the boat is docked.

[0003] 2. Description of Prior Art

[0004] Ryan, U.S. Pat. No. 5,174,234, teaches a floating boat docking system that allows for bow first docking of a boat. The device has two rods that form a “V” and, as a boat pulls into the device, the rods expand around a hull of the boat to guide the boat into docking position and hold the boat secure once docked. This device does not permit a boat to be docked stern first because the rods do not fit around the square stern of a boat as they do around a V-shaped bow.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] It is one object of the invention to provide a boat docking system that guides a boat into a dock stern first.

[0006] It is another object of this invention to provide a means to launch or dock a boat without assistance from an onboard or shore-based crew.

[0007] It is another object of this invention to permit safe and simple docking of a boat when winds, waves or inexperience are pushing the boat out of alignment with the dock.

[0008] It is another object of this invention to provide a lightweight, easy to install boat docking system.

[0009] It is another object of this invention to retain a boat at multiple positions along the hull instead of at a few places.

[0010] It is another object of this invention to retain a boat away from a dock so that it does not continually contact the dock causing damage to the boat and dock.

[0011] A boat docking device according to this invention allows a boat to be easily docked stern first. The boat docking device preferably includes two rods arranged in an L-shaped configuration. The rods can be made of various materials and are connected to a dock or sea wall.

[0012] According to one preferred embodiment of this invention, a sliding member holds an end of a moveable rod. The pivotal attachment of the moveable rod to the sliding member allows the moveable rod to move within the sliding member. The moveable rod preferably pivots around a joint and rotates from an open position with respect to a fixed rod to a closed position with respect to the fixed rod. The open position of the moveable rod allows easy capture of a boat stern. In the closed position, the moveable rod works in combination with the fixed rod to hold a boat secure by the hull.

[0013] According to one preferred embodiment of this invention, a hinge pivotally secures the moveable rod to the joint. The moveable rod pivots around the hinge from the open position to the closed position. The joint provides support for the moveable rod and keeps the moveable rod in a proper position with respect to the fixed rod.

[0014] A plurality of floats are preferably attached to the boat docking device for floatation. A spring may be connected between the fixed rod and the dock to provide support to the fixed rod and to repel the boat from the dock if too close and/or pull the boat toward the dock if too far.

[0015] As the boat backs into the boat docking device beyond the hinge the boat stern pushes the moveable rod into the closed position. The moveable rod pivots around hinge and a pivot end of the moveable rod slides in the sliding member to secure the boat.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The above-mentioned and other features and objects of this invention will be better understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings wherein:

[0017]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a boat docking device in the open position according to one preferred embodiment of this invention;

[0018]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the boat docking device of FIG. 1 in the closed position according to one preferred embodiment of this invention;

[0019]FIG. 3 is a top view of the boat docking device of FIG. 1 according to one preferred embodiment of this invention;

[0020]FIG. 4 is a top view of the boat docking device of FIG. 2 according to one preferred embodiment of this invention; and

[0021]FIG. 5 is a side view of a spring according to one preferred embodiment of this invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022]FIG. 1 shows boat docking device 10 according to one preferred embodiment of this invention. In FIG. 1, boat docking device 10 is anchored to dock 15. Dock 15 shown is arranged in an L-shaped configuration comprising dock base 16 and dock extension 17 which extends out over the water from dock base 16. Dock 15 could also be a sea wall, seawall/dock combination, or any other structure to which a boat may be moored.

[0023] According to one preferred embodiment of this invention, boat docking device 10 comprises fixed rod 25 and connector rod 30. Fixed rod 25 and connector rod 30 as shown are connected at a substantially 90° angle to create an L-shape configuration. Fixed rod 25 and connector rod 30 can be made of various waterproof materials, such as fiberglass, plastic, pvc pipe, or coated metals. Constructing boat docking device 10 out of lightweight materials eases installation of boat docking device 10. Fixed rod 25 may be connected to connector rod 30 in various ways known to those having ordinary skill in the art, such as with brackets or by welding. Alternatively, fixed rod 25 and connector rod 30 may be formed as a single piece.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment of this invention shown in FIG. 1, boat docking device 10 is preferably secured to dock 15 by one or more dock rods 50 that are secured at one end to dock 15 and at the other end to connector rod 30. Dock rod 50 can be made from various materials that would support boat docking device 10 under the force of an entering boat, materials such as fiberglass, plastic, pvc pipe, or coated metals. Dock rod 50 secures boat docking device 10 to dock 15 and dock rod 50 preferably pivots with respect to dock to absorb pressure on connector rod 30 from boat 20 when boat 20 backs into connector rod 30. Dock rod 50 may be made of a flexing material that absorbs the pressure from boat 20 and dock rod 50 may be attached to dock 15 by a resistance hinge or other attachment means known in the art that would allow dock rod 50 to pivot with respect to dock 15. Alternatively, boat docking device 10 can be secured using other means such as submerged anchors that utilize no direct connections to dock 15. Dock rod 50 could also be secured between dock 15 and fixed rod 25.

[0025] According to one preferred embodiment of this invention, sliding member 45 is attached to connector rod 30 opposite fixed rod 25. Connector rod 30 and attached sliding member 45 preferably have a combined length at least as great as stern 21 of boat 20. Moveable rod 35 having pivot end 36 is preferably pivotally attached to sliding member 45. The pivotal attachment of moveable rod 35 to sliding member 45 allows moveable rod 35 to move between two ends of sliding member 45, and the attachment keeps moveable rod 35 acting in concert with sliding member 45 at all times.

[0026] Moveable rod 35 preferably moves within sliding member 45 while moveable rod 35 pivots around joint 40, from an open position with respect to fixed rod 25 to a closed position with respect to fixed rod 25. FIG. 1 shows moveable rod 35 in the open position. Moveable rod 35 is in the open position when distal end 26 of fixed rod 25 and distal end 37 of moveable rod 35 are separated by horizontal spacing A. As shown in FIG. 1, horizontal spacing A is a distance larger than the stern length of boat 20. The open position of moveable rod 35 allows easy capture of a boat stern. The open position also allows for a single person to dock the boat alone and guides the boat into position to the dock. The open position further permits easy docking of a boat when winds and waves would otherwise push the boat out of position.

[0027] According to one preferred embodiment of this invention, FIG. 2 shows moveable rod 35 in the closed position. In the closed position, distal end 26 of fixed rod 25 and distal end 37 of moveable rod 35 are separated by horizontal distance B wherein the rods are preferably substantially parallel. In the closed position, moveable rod 35 works in combination with fixed rod 25 to hold a boat secure by the hull. Horizontal distance B is preferably slightly greater than the hull width of the docked boat to provide secure retention of boat 20 in boat docking device 10, as shown in FIG. 4. In the closed position, boat docking device 10 retains boat 20 along the entire hull instead of at a few cleats as in a standard mooring. Boat docking device 10 also retains the boat in a position at the dock that does not allow the boat and dock to contact and cause damage to either boat or dock.

[0028] In one embodiment of this invention, sliding member 45 is a latch that contains moveable rod 35 at or near pivot end 36. Moveable rod 35 preferably moves freely and without any resistance within sliding member 45. In this embodiment, the force that causes moveable rod 35 to stay in the open position when boat 20 is not engaging the device is provided at hinge 60 wherein hinge 60 has a spring or similar member creating the necessary force.

[0029] According to another preferred embodiment of this invention, sliding member 45 is a latch having a resistance member, such as a spring, that pushes or pulls pivot end 36 of moveable rod 35 within sliding member 45 to move moveable rod 35 into the open position when boat 20 exits boat docking device 10. Moveable rod 35 then remains in the open position until boat 20 returns to boat docking device 10. According to this embodiment, the boat exerts a force on moveable rod 35 greater than the force exerted on moveable rod 35 in sliding member 45, thus moving moveable rod 35 into the closed position, and thereby securing the boat.

[0030] There are many alternate embodiments available for sliding member 45, such as a spring attached between one end of sliding member 45 and moveable rod 35. Alternatively, sliding member 45 may comprise a sliding peg and track system, the system possibly further including a resistance member.

[0031] According to the preferred embodiment of this invention shown in FIG. 1, joint 40 has first joint end 41 secured to fixed rod 25 and second joint end 42 secured to moveable rod 35. Hinge 60 pivotally secures moveable rod 35 to joint 40. Moveable rod 35 can pivot around hinge 60 from the open position to the closed position. Joint 40 provides support for moveable rod 35 and keeps moveable rod 35 in a proper position with respect to fixed rod 25. Joint 40 is preferably shaped to extend underneath the boat, with a depth and length sufficient to extend around the boat. The size and shape of joint 40 can vary to meet the needs of boat hulls having different shapes. Joint 40 may be attached with hinge 60 to moveable rod 35 at a predetermined position, such as the midpoint of moveable rod 35, to allow moveable rod 35 to pivot from the open position to the closed position and back to the open position. The distance moveable rod 35 pivots may be limited by sliding member 45. The distance moveable rod 35 pivots may also be controlled or restricted by hinge 60. Hinge 60 may comprise a simple rod extending from joint 40 into a receiving aperture in moveable rod 35, or a rotatable hinge that employs a spring or similar member to push moveable rod 35 into the open position. Other hinges know in the art that would allow the pivoting of moveable rod 35 may be employed.

[0032] According to another embodiment of this invention joint 40 is flexible. Joint 40 may flex in response to the exerted pressure of the boat on fixed rod 25 and moveable rod 35. The flex of joint 40 assists in holding a boat secure.

[0033] As shown in the figures, a plurality of floats 65 may be attached to boat docking device 10 for floatation. In FIG. 1, boat docking device 10 is floating directly on the water. Floats 65 may be connected where needed either on moveable rod 35 or fixed rod 25 or both. Depending on the configuration of dock 15, it may be possible to secure boat docking device 10 to dock 15 so that no floats 65 are needed or using only one float 65 on moveable rod 35. Floats 65 are preferably of the type known in the art, such as foam floats or bumpers made of rubber or plastic. Floats 65 are preferably attached with tubular slide joints that slide on during manufacture. Other attachment methods can be used as well, such as fitted, tubular foam floats that slide onto the various rods of the boat docking device.

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 1-5, spring 55 may be connected at a first spring end to fixed rod 25 and connected at a second spring end to dock extension 17. Spring 55 provides support to fixed rod 25. Without spring 55, boat 20 may contact fixed rod 25 with a force that would cause fixed rod 25 to bend and collide with dock 15. One function of boat docking device 10 is to aid in bringing boat 20 into a safe mooring position relative to dock 15. When a boat collides with a dock, even lightly, the collision can cause substantial damage to the boat, dock, or both. Boat docking device 10 preferably retains a docked boat away from the dock to avoid such damage.

[0035] Spring 55 provides resistance against fixed rod 25 and boat 20 is prevented from hitting dock 15. When boat 20 hits fixed rod 25 and pushes fixed rod 25 towards dock extension 17, spring 55 absorbs the force and exerts an opposing force to keep fixed rod 25 in the original position. Thus boat 20 is cushioned from the collision and may be directed and guided by boat docking device 10 into the proper docked position, the desired stern-first docked position shown in FIG. 4.

[0036] Spring 55 may be configured in a V-shape that provides resistance if boat 20 is moved too close to the dock extension 17 and provides a pulling force if boat 20 is too far away from dock extension 17. Holleander fittings may be used to attach spring 55 with respect to dock extension 17. Alternatively, spring 55 may comprise a flexing strut fixed at a first end to dock extension 17 and having a slide joint at a second end attached with respect to fixed rod 25 that slides along fixed rod 25 during movement of fixed rod 25. Foam or rubber bumpers attached between fixed rod 25 and dock extension 17 could also be employed as spring 55 to soften the impact from boat 20, and keep fixed rod 25 from bending from the desired position.

[0037] In FIG. 2, boat docking device 10 is shown in the closed position. Moveable rod 35 is in position with respect to fixed rod 25 so that the boat hull is retained in a stable position.

[0038]FIG. 3 shows boat 20 in phantom entering boat docking device 10. As boat 20 enters boat docking device 10 boat 20 may contact either fixed rod 25, moveable rod 35, or both and is directed towards connector rod 30. If boat 20 contacts fixed rod 25 with substantial force the collision is preferably absorbed by spring 55 and spring 55 can reestablish fixed rod 25 to substantially its original position. As boat 20 moves into boat docking device 10 beyond hinge 60, boat stern 21 preferably pushes moveable rod 35 into the closed position as shown in FIG. 4, thereby guiding boat 20 into a docked position. Moveable rod 35 pivots around hinge 60 and pivot end 36 of moveable rod 35 slides in sliding member 45. As shown in FIG. 4, boat 20 is secured by moveable rod 35 in the closed position with respect to fixed rod 25.

[0039] While in the foregoing specification this invention has been described in relation to certain preferred embodiments thereof, and many details have been set forth for purpose of illustration, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is susceptible to additional embodiments and that certain of the details described herein can be varied considerably without departing from the basic principles of the invention. 

I claim:
 1. A device for docking a boat, the device comprising: a fixed rod; a connector rod having a length at least as great as a stern width of the boat, the connector rod connected to the fixed rod; a moveable rod pivotally attached to the connector rod; and a joint having a first joint end secured to the fixed rod and a second joint end secured to the moveable rod.
 2. The device of claim 1 further comprising at least one float connected to at least one of the moveable rod and the fixed rod.
 3. The device of claim 1 further comprising at least one dock rod secured at one end to a dock and at an other end to the connector rod.
 4. The device of claim 3 wherein the at least one dock rod pivots with respect to the dock.
 5. The device of claim 1 further comprising a spring connected at a first spring end to the fixed bar and at a second spring end to a dock.
 6. The device of claim 1 wherein the joint is secured to the moveable rod by a hinge.
 7. The device of claim 1 further comprising a sliding member attached with respect to the connector rod.
 8. The device of claim 7 wherein the moveable rod is pivotally attached to the sliding member.
 9. The device of claim 8 wherein a pivot end of the moveable rod slides within the sliding member.
 10. A device for docking a boat, the device comprising: a fixed rod; a connector rod having a sliding member, wherein the connector rod and sliding member have a length at least as great as a stern width of the boat, the connector rod connected to the fixed rod; a moveable rod having a pivot end pivotally attached to the connector rod, wherein a pivot end of the moveable rod slides within the sliding member; and a joint having a first joint end secured to the fixed rod and a second joint end secured to the moveable rod.
 11. The device of claim 10 wherein the joint is secured to the moveable rod by a hinge.
 12. The device of claim 11 wherein the joint is made of a flexible material.
 13. The device of claim 11 further comprising a spring connected at a first spring end to the fixed bar and a second spring end to a dock, wherein the spring holds the fixed bar in position with respect to the dock and the spring absorbs the pressure exerted on the fixed bar by the boat.
 14. The device of claim 13 wherein the device is held afloat at the waterline by a plurality of floats.
 15. A device for docking a boat, comprising: a fixed rod; a connector rod having a length at least as great as a stern width of the boat, the connector rod connected to the fixed rod; a moveable rod pivotally attached to the connector rod; a joint having a first joint end secured to the fixed rod and a second joint end secured by a hinge to the moveable rod; at least one dock rod secured at one end to a dock and at an other end to the connector rod; a sliding member attached with respect to the connector rod, wherein a pivot end of the moveable rod slides within the sliding member; a plurality of floats attached to at least one of the moveable rod and the fixed rod; and a spring connected at a first spring end to the fixed rod and connected at a second spring end to the dock, wherein the spring holds the fixed bar in position with respect to the dock and the spring absorbs the pressure exerted on the fixed bar by the boat.
 16. The device of claim 14 wherein the joint is made of a flexible material.
 17. A method for docking a boat comprising the steps of: backing the boat into an opening created between a fixed rod and a moveable rod; pivoting the moveable rod around a connector rod extending between the fixed rod and the moveable rod; flexing a joint having a first joint end secured to the fixed rod and a second joint end secured to the moveable rod; and guiding the boat into a docked position between the fixed rod and the moveable rod. 